Homemade Soft Pretzels

Who doesn’t love a warm, soft pretzel? They are a delicious snack, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a movie. Making homemade soft pretzels is easier than you might think. Follow this straightforward recipe, and you’ll have golden, chewy pretzels right from your oven.

Why Make This Recipe

Making homemade soft pretzels is a fun and rewarding experience. Not only do they taste fantastic, but you can also enjoy the aroma of fresh bread filling your kitchen. Plus, they are customizable! You can add different toppings or serve them with your favorite dips. It’s a great way to impress family and friends, and the joy of creating your own snack gives you a sense of accomplishment.

How to Make Homemade Soft Pretzels

Ingredients:

1 1⁄2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
1 packet (2 1⁄4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
10 cups water
2⁄3 cup baking soda
1 large egg, beaten
Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Directions:

In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Stir in salt, sugar, melted butter, and flour, mixing until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil.
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-24 inch rope and shape it into a pretzel.
Using a slotted spatula, dip each pretzel into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to the prepared baking sheets.
Brush the pretzels with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve Homemade Soft Pretzels

Enjoy your homemade soft pretzels warm, straight from the oven. They are great on their own, but you can pair them with mustard, cheese sauce, or even chocolate for a sweet treat.

How to Store Homemade Soft Pretzels

Store any leftover pretzels in a paper bag at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can last up to a week in the fridge or a few months in the freezer.

Tips to Make Homemade Soft Pretzels

Make sure your water temperature is right. Too hot can kill the yeast, and too cold will not activate it.
Feel free to experiment with toppings! Try garlic powder, sesame seeds, or everything bagel seasoning for a different flavor.
If you want softer pretzels, you can reduce the baking time slightly.

Variation

You can make mini pretzels for a fun snack or roll them into different shapes. You could also add cheese inside the pretzel for a delicious surprise!

FAQs

1. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use bread flour. It may give the pretzels a slightly chewier texture.

2. How can I make these pretzels sweeter?

You can add a bit more sugar to the dough or try sprinkling cinnamon sugar on top after baking.

3. What can I use if I don’t have baking soda?

If you don’t have baking soda, it’s best to stick with the recipe as baking soda is important for the pretzel’s texture and flavor during boiling.